Darien Doomed to 'Ugly' Traffic Sign Without Political Pressure

The state Department of Transportation has put pressure on Whole Foods Market to ensure the traffic pattern in downtown Darien runs as smoothly and safely as possible, but local officials and business owners are less than pleased with the signage proposed as a means to that end.

"These are traffic safety engineers, and they want to put something up that works. Aesthetics do not enter into their decision," said land use attorney Wilder Gleason in his presentation to the Architectural Review Board last Tuesday.

The state-approved signage calls for two 15-foot poles on either side of the I-95 Exit 11 off-ramp, straddled by a 75-foot pole and bold hanging signs. The design meets new state guidelines and will supposedly help drivers navigate the precarious Ledge Road, Post Road, Leroy Ave. intersection.

"Whole Foods does not think this sort of design is in keeping with Darien's character," said Gleason. "Thankfully, we've had an alternative approved on a temporary basis."

The Planning & Zoning Commission is on the same page and much prefers the temporary solution for four smaller signs that will punctuate the intersection at necessary points until September when the approved "arm" is set to take shape.

"That is one ugly looking sign," said P&Z Chair Fred Conze at a meeting held earlier this month. "Whatever muscle you need to work on this, you got it."

Whole Foods' hope is that the state will allow the temporary signage to stay permanently, but they'll need the town's support in order to pull strings in Hartford.

"Our hope is that traffic will be orderly with temporary signage and that we'll keep it. That will only happen if there's political pressure put on the DOT," said Gleason.

First Selectman Dave Campbell has agreed to write a letter, as has Planning & Zoning. Gleason's presentation to the Architectural Review Board on Tuesday served as a "heads up" request for similar support.

According to Planning & Zoning Director Jeremy Ginsberg, the temporary signs will be put in place sometime next week, when representatives from state traffic enforcement will come to inspect the area.

Ginsberg said that the paving at Exit 11 had been delayed and that the market should receive its temporary certificate of occupancy today, Friday, 23, if not Monday, April 26.
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Week of April 26: Signage/Inspection/Temporary Certificate of Occupancy
May 17: Launch party
May 19: Grand Opening